Headquarters’ News
- 2025 Winter Lecture Program for University Students Held
From December 22 to 24, 2025, a three-day, two-night Winter Lecture Program for University Students was held at the Daejin Youth Training Center. Approximately 50 students from Daejin University and several other universities participated in the program. During the program, participants actively engaged in a variety of lectures and activities, including visits to the Daesoon Sacred Hall, lectures on Doju, the Lord of the Dao, and special lectures in the humanities. The program provided students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Daesoon Jinrihoe while broadening their intellectual perspectives through structured lectures and reflective learning.
2025-12-25
- Scholars of the 4th World Sangsaeng Forum 2025 Visit the Yeoju Headquarters Temple of Daesoon Jinrihoe
The 4th World Sangsaeng Forum was held on October 24 and 25 at the Daesoon Education Hall of Daejin University under the theme “Reconciliation, Mutual Beneficence, and Religion.” Hosted by the Daesoon Academy of Sciences, the forum was attended by world-renowned scholars such as Professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, Gordon Melton of Baylor University, Livia Kohn of Boston University, Massimo Introvigne, director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), Bernadette Rigal-Cellard of Bordeaux Montaigne University, Ahn Shin, President of the Korean Association for the Study of Religion, as well as various academics from Korea and abroad. Religious figures also participated, including Chang Hsin-Fang, Vice President of Taiwan’s Yu-Shin Shengjiao University, Cheng Kuo-Nan, abbot of Taiwan’s Holy Mother Palace, and Tran Khanh, former president of the Overseas Mission Society of Vietnam’s Cao Dai religion. In addition, Sasaki Kyoko, Deputy Mayor of Kameoka City in Japan, attended the forum as well. The forum consisted of a total of five parts with 15 sessions, featuring 64 academic presentations and in-depth discussions. After concluding the forum at noon on the 25th, the scholars visited the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex of Daesoon Jinrihoe. The visiting scholars joined a dinner prepared by the temple after touring the Yeoju Headquarters Temple. Held at the café lounge on the first floor of the museum, the dinner was attended by approximately 300 guests, including Lee Choong-woo, Mayor of Yeoju, Park Doo-hyung, Chairman of the Yeoju City Council, Na Jong-woo, former Director of the Jeonju Cultural Center, as well as advisory board members, executive committee members, and leaders of the religious order, who warmly welcomed the scholars of the World Sangsaeng Forum. At the dinner, Director Yun Eundo remarked, “Sharing food together is considered the warmest greeting, as it means sharing hearts and continuing the bond of our relationship,” and expressed his hope, saying, “I wish for tonight’s dinner to become a true place of mutual beneficence, where we respect each other’s cultures and share our spirits.” In her congratulatory remarks on behalf of the scholars, Professor Bernadette Rigal-Cellard stated, “This forum was an opportunity to gain spiritual and intellectual nourishment. The traditional Korean wooden architecture of Daesoon Jinrihoe offered aesthetic nourishment, and this dinner is now providing physical nourishment,” expressing her heartfelt gratitude. Director Bae Gyuhan of the Institute for Daesoon Thought said, “It is highly meaningful to discuss how religion, which has long stood at the center of conflict and reconciliation, can realize world peace through the principles of compassion, love, and mutual beneficence.” He added, “Through this forum, I feel that the ‘Sangsaeng Civilization Discourse,’ which the Institute aims to develop for sustainable peace and coexistence of humanity, has been strengthened even further.”
2025-10-26
Reasearch Activities
- '2025 Asian Institute for Religious Studies Second-Half Academic Conference' Held at the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex
On December 20, the ‘2025 Asian Institute for Religious Studies Second-Half Academic Conference’ was held at the International Conference Room of the Daesoon Jinrihoe Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex. Approximately 40 religious scholars, including Professor Seo Young-dae (Inha University), Professor Kang Don-ku (Asian Institute for Religious Studies), and Professor Choi Jong-seong (Seoul National University), gathered for the event, where eight research papers were presented followed by heated discussions. Professor Cha Sun-keun of Daejin University analyzed the concept and usage of Sangsaeng in detail through his presentation, "Asking About Sangsaeng Again in an Era of Conflict and Crisis," and proposed a modern interpretation distinguishing Haewon-sangsaeng and Boeun-sangsaeng. The conference, which re-examined the value of Sangsaeng through religious reflection in an age of crisis and expanded academic horizons, concluded successfully with high interest and participation from experts in various fields.
2025-12-20
- Daesoon Academy of Sciences and Daesoon Institute of Religious and Cultural Studies Attend the 23rd IAHR World Congress
From August 29 to 30, 2025, the Daesoon Academy of Sciences and the Daesoon Institute of Religious and Cultural Studies participated in the 23rd World Congress of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR), held at Jagiellonian University in Poland. The IAHR is widely regarded as the most prestigious international academic organization in the field of religious studies, comprising national associations that represent their respective countries and playing a leading role in shaping scholarly standards and research directions in the discipline. Held under the theme “Beyond Europe: Religions in an Interconnected World,” the congress brought together more than 1,000 scholars of religion from around the world for active presentations and discussions. At the congress, Chairman Bae Kyu-han of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences and research fellow Dr. Jason Greenberger presented a paper titled “Elder Care as Filial Piety: Religious Inspirations Embedded in Elderly Welfare Facilities of Daesoon Jinrihoe.” In addition, Professor Cha Seon-geun of the Department of Daesoon Studies presented “A Religion That Does Not Wish to Be Called a ‘Religion,’” while Director Park Sang-gyu of the Daesoon Institute of Religious and Cultural Studies and Professor Kim Jin-young of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies jointly presented “Forgotten Identities: Immigrant Religions and Multicultural Policies in Korea.” Furthermore, Research Professor Lee Soo-hyun of Kyung Hee University presented “Cosmology and Environmental Ethics in East Asian New Religions: An Exploration of Ecological Practices in Daesoon Jinrihoe, Tenrikyo, and Yiguandao.” These high-level academic presentations provided a meaningful opportunity to introduce Daesoon Thought and Daesoon Jinrihoe to the global community of scholars in religious studies.
2025-08-31
Charity Aid
- Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital and Daesoon International Volunteer Association Conduct 2025 Medical Volunteer Mission in Vietnam
From November 11 to 14, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital and the Daesoon International Volunteer Association (DIVA) carried out a medical volunteer mission in Vietnam. The volunteer team consisted of 28 members in total, including 14 physicians from Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital and 14 members of DIVA. Medical services were provided at a local health center and elementary schools in the Na Sam area of Lang Son Province, where departments such as phlebotomy, ophthalmology, dentistry, otolaryngology, orthopedics, physical therapy, internal medicine & pediatrics, and pharmacy were set up to offer essential medical care and prescriptions to local residents. Over the three-day mission, a total of 2,468 treatments were provided, including 1,505 medical consultations at the health center and 963 dental treatments for elementary school students. Due to a turnout far exceeding expectations, medical supplies were depleted, requiring the team to procure additional medicines from nearby hospitals. In addition to medical care, the team operated a free barber service to promote personal hygiene among residents and distributed hygiene kits—containing soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes—to students who received dental treatment, contributing to greater hygiene self-reliance within the local community. A representative from Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital who participated in the mission commented, “Due to changes in Vietnamese regulations, we faced difficulties from the first day in bringing medical equipment and pharmaceuticals into the country. There were moments when medicines ran out because so many people needed treatment, and we had to search for additional supplies. However, overcoming these challenges and completing the mission successfully made the experience all the more rewarding.”
2025-11-15
- Daesoon International Volunteer Association Receives Commendation from the People’s Committee of Thai Nguyen Province
In April, the Daesoon International Volunteer Association (DIVA) received a commendation from the People’s Committee of Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, in recognition of its contributions to volunteer activities in the region. A DIVA representative stated, “In a public works project in Thai Nguyen Province involving the demolition of temporary and aging houses and the construction of new homes, the project was completed eight months ahead of the deadline set by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. DIVA’s contributions to this achievement were formally recognized, which led to this commendation.” Since 2024, DIVA has been supporting the construction of new homes as part of one of Vietnam’s national poverty alleviation campaigns. The association is currently carrying out the “Sangsaeng House (House of Mutual Beneficence)” project, which provides newly built homes to vulnerable communities.
2025-05-01
Social Welfare
- Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital Earns “S” Grade in Integrated Nursing and Care Service Performance Evaluation
Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital has received the highest possible rating, Grade S, for the second consecutive year in the Integrated Nursing and Care Service Performance Evaluation conducted by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of Korea. The evaluation was based on a comprehensive scoring system that assessed four key areas, including the proportion of experienced nurses, the participation rate in the program, and the adequacy of integrated nursing and care services. Additional points were awarded based on indicators such as the proportion of high-acuity patients determined by nursing care needs. Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital achieved a score of 98.59 points, ranking 11th among 709 medical institutions nationwide and earning the top S grade. Currently, 10 out of the hospital’s 12 wards operate under the Integrated Nursing and Care Service model. The hospital has also designated nurse educators to support newly hired nurses in their clinical adaptation and provides a wide range of training programs aimed at strengthening professional competencies. In recognition of its exemplary operation, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital is also designated as a “panel hospital,” serving as a model institution for the implementation of integrated nursing and care services.
2025-12-26
- Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital Proven as Nation’s Top Hospital for Respiratory Care
Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital (Hospital Director Na Hwa-yeop) has once again proven itself as a premier national institution for respiratory treatment. In the recent adequacy evaluation announced by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the hospital achieved Grade 1 ratings across all categories, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Tuberculosis, and Asthma. In the 10th COPD Adequacy Evaluation, the hospital scored 94.9 points out of 6,466 medical institutions nationwide, significantly surpassing the general hospital average of 80.9 points to earn a Grade 1 rating. Furthermore, in the 7th Tuberculosis Adequacy Evaluation—which assessed 505 medical institutions—the hospital recorded perfect scores in all three inspection categories, achieving a total of 99.9 points and a Grade 1 rating. It also demonstrated outstanding performance in the 11th Asthma Adequacy Evaluation, scoring well above the average in key indicators. This follows a Grade 1 rating in Pneumonia treatment announced last July, where the hospital scored 99.7 points. By securing top honors for COPD, Tuberculosis, Asthma, and Pneumonia, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital has officially solidified its standing as one of the highest-level medical institutions in the country for comprehensive respiratory care.
2025-12-07
Education
- Daejin University Strengthens International Educational Cooperation with Dornod Province, Mongolia, and Cuu Long University, Vietnam
On December 11 and 12, Dornod Province of Mongolia and Cuu Long University (Vietnam) visited Daejin University to conclude agreements aimed at strengthening international educational cooperation, including student and research exchanges. The Vietnamese delegation, led by the Vice President of Cuu Long University, and the Mongolian delegation, headed by the Governor of Dornod Province, held discussions with Daejin University on promoting joint research across a wide range of fields, including education, science and technology, and the humanities and social sciences. The parties also explored ways to enhance academic competitiveness through information sharing and the co-hosting of seminars and international academic conferences. In addition, they reviewed measures to strengthen administrative cooperation to support regional development and the establishment of a sustainable educational ecosystem. The agreement concluded with the Cuu Long University delegation on December 11 includes discussions on various international cooperation initiatives, such as: - Promotion of student exchange and mobility programs - Cooperation in major-specific special lectures and faculty exchange - Collaboration in hosting international academic conferences - Joint review of programs for short-term camps - Consideration of employment and internship support for Vietnamese students through industry–academia collaboration - Exploration of the feasibility of dual-degree programs - Cooperation in doctoral degree programs for faculty members The agreement reached with the Dornod Province delegation on December 12, led by the provincial governor, focuses on: - Activation of student exchange and study-abroad programs - Expansion of joint research and academic exchange - Strengthening educational capacity and administrative cooperation
2025-12-13
- Daejin University Receives 'Suitable' Status for the Establishment of a Graduate School of Medical Science
Daejin University (President Chang Suk-hwan) has received a "Suitable" rating from the Ministry of Education for the establishment of its Graduate School of Medical Science, starting from the 2026 academic year. Consequently, the university will be able to recruit 12 new students for the Graduate School of Medical Science beginning in 2026. The Graduate School of Medical Science at Daejin University aims to cultivate "medical science professionals" who can scientifically investigate problems in clinical settings and apply research findings back into hospital environments. The school will operate a curriculum focused on "Translational Research." In line with the trend of modern medicine evolving through convergence with various fields such as basic science, engineering, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the school plans to focus on "training convergence experts" who can develop new treatments by integrating life sciences and ICT beyond simple medical knowledge. In particular, physicians with extensive clinical experience from the Daejin Medical Foundation's hospitals will participate as faculty members to maximize the synergy between medicine and basic science. The university expects that the establishment of this graduate school will serve as a "core engine for the local medical ecosystem," strengthening regional medical and bio-ecosystems in conjunction with the long-awaited goal of attracting a medical school to the Northern Gyeonggi region. It is anticipated to lay a solid foundation for the future establishment of a medical school by serving as a cradle for basic research in the medical field. Daejin University stated its plan to focus on fostering translational research capabilities, including the consideration of opening a doctoral program in the future. President Chang Suk-hwan stated, "The establishment of the Graduate School of Medical Science is part of our mid-to-long-term vision to improve medical accessibility in Northern Gyeonggi and strengthen competitiveness in bio-R&D. We will create substantial local outcomes by organically linking education, research, and clinical practice."
2025-12-07
